MLS Head Gasket Sealant?

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Apr 20, 2012 | 10:07 PM

badazz81z28

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MLS Head Gasket Sealant?

When I took my heads off I noticed this bluish oily residue on the heads. Since the MLS gaskets have what appears to be black O rings, do they need to be lubricated prior to installation?

Apr 20, 2012 | 10:19 PM

djfury05

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No.. clean the block's deck surface off really well. For the final wipe I use just rubbing alcohol and let it dry. MLS gaskets can go on dry no issues.

Apr 20, 2012 | 11:06 PM

batboy

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The last head gaskets were probably graphite. Make sure you clean up all that gunk real good.

Apr 21, 2012 | 10:30 AM

badazz81z28

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Quote:

Originally Posted by batboy

The last head gaskets were probably graphite. Make sure you clean up all that gunk real good.

No, they were MLS just like the ones I bought. This is a 2004+ls1

Apr 21, 2012 | 11:06 AM

NVR_SPDS

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I just recently installed GM MLS gaskets, and although Ive heard you can use the copper spray, I installed everything clean and dry. Worked out great, no leaks, no issues.

Apr 21, 2012 | 11:20 AM

SF 1HOTLS1

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do MLS gaskets leave gunk on the block that needs to be scraped off? or do they just come right off the head clean?

Apr 21, 2012 | 11:21 AM

JS01

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SF 1HOTLS1

do MLS gaskets leave gunk on the block that needs to be scraped off? or do they just come right off the head clean?

They leave a thin black rubber/sealant like compound on the heads and block. It must be scraped off well before re-installing the heads.

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Apr 21, 2012 | 11:42 AM

badazz81z28

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SF 1HOTLS1

do MLS gaskets leave gunk on the block that needs to be scraped off? or do they just come right off the head clean?

Nope, not really. Its just steel with rubber type O rings around the sealing areas. Mine is super clean, no scraping will be required for me.

This is what it looked like after I pulled the head. You cant really see anything, there is just rubber looking material here and there around the cylinders and bolt holes.